As one of the best-selling automakers in the U.S. market, Hyundai offers a product lineup that includes sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson delivers a comfortable ride with impressive handling and technology features. The compact SUV is available in five trim levels and has a starting MSRP of $26,900 for the entry-level model.

However, sometimes a vehicle’s base price can be somewhat misleading because of things like automatic transmission, AWD, and other features that end up costing more money. So, how realistic is the starting MSRP for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson?

Standard features of the 2023 Hyundai Tucson

The 2023 Tucson gets its power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 187 hp and gets an estimated EPA fuel economy of 28 mpg combined for the FWD variant. The eight-speed automatic transmission features Hyundai’s Shiftronic® technology.

Standard features include an 8-inch color touchscreen display on the infotainment system with wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ integration. LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) system are also standard in the entry-level trim.

How realistic is the listed base price of the 2023 Tucson?

Using the build tool on the Hyundai website, we designed a semi-basic Tucson. There are five color choices to choose from, with only the Calypso Red having an additional surcharge of $450. We stuck with the Intense Blue exterior and black interior to avoid extra costs. We did, however, select the AWD powertrain option for a $1,500 upcharge.

There were several accessories to choose from, but we kept it simple, selecting only the all-season fitted liners for $245, the auto-dimming mirror with Homelink® for $295, a cargo cover/screen for $190, mudguards for $120, and a cargo tray for $120, bringing the accessories total to just under $1,000.

Our custom-built AWD 2023 Tucson SE had a final estimated cost of $30,705, which included a $1,335 destination fee. So, while the suggested MSRP is $26,900 for the entry-level SE model, we found it cost significantly more with basic additional features added to the bottom line price.

Available trim levels of the 2023 Hyundai Tucson

Auto industry experts disagree on which trim level offers the best value for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. Some prefer the hybrid or PHEV variants, while others say sticking with the gas engine option is a better choice.

Edmunds recommends upgrading to the SEL trim level, which has a starting MSRP of $28,500. It includes all the standard features of the base model plus a whole lot more, offering a better bang for your buck.

Highlights of the SEL trim include heated front seats, tinted rear windows, a push-button start, keyless entry, rear passenger vents, and wireless charging. Advanced safety features include blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system.

Other trim levels include the XRT, which has an MSRP of $33,725, offering off-road styling. The race-inspired N Line has a sportier look and a starting price of $33,775. The Limited trim level is the premium top-of-the-line option that offers high-end features an MSRP of $36,160. 

Hyundai also offers hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants in the SEL and Limited trim packages, with a starting MSRP of $30,900. The hybrid offers exceptional fuel efficiency getting 29 mpg combined with the ability to travel more than 421 miles before needing to refuel.

It also includes plenty of premium standard features often reserved for upper-level trim packages. The hybrid variants come with standard AWD, eliminating the $1,500 surcharge attached to the gas engine configuration.